Build your vocabulary with Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day! Each day a Merriam-Webster editor offers insight into a fascinating new word -- explaining its meaning, current use, and little-known details about its origin.
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Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 30, 2026 is: illustrious \ih-LUSS-tree-us\ adjective Illustrious describes a person or deed that is highly admired and respected. // During the ceremony, the illustrious star of stage and screen was presented with a lifetime achievement award. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/illustrious) Examples: “Two of the most respected professors—an academic power couple—invited me to their home for dinner. I was flattered and excited. When we sat down at the table, my heart sank. The first dish they served was steak tartare. Raw be
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 29, 2026 is: kith \KITH\ noun Kith is an old-fashioned term that refers to familiar friends, neighbors, or relatives. It is often used in the phrase “kith and kin,” which means “friends and relatives.” // Spending time with kith and kin at the end of the summer is the highlight of our year. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/kith) Examples: “One thing that you could usually count on was the loyalty of your kith and kin, your friends and family. But now it seems that the closeness of family and relatives is more difficult to
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 28, 2026 is: cogent \KOH-junt\ adjective Cogent is a formal word that describes something that is very clear and easy for the mind to accept and believe. It is used as a synonym of [convincing](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/convincing). // At the town meeting, citizens presented many cogent arguments in support of building a new senior center. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cogent) Examples: “The history of art reads here as one long, free verse poem-in-progress, gorgeous and absorbing. Even so, many of the
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 27, 2026 is: southpaw \SOUTH-paw\ noun Southpaw is an informal word for someone who is left-handed. It is especially used for a left-handed baseball pitcher or boxer. // The team’s new pitcher is a southpaw with a wicked knuckleball. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/southpaw) Examples: “The Sox southpaw’s perfect game bid ended when the Yankees loaded the bases with two outs in the fourth …” — Gabrielle Starr, The Boston Herald, 7 June 2026 Did you know? [Sandy Koufax](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Sandy-Koufax), [
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 26, 2026 is: devolve \dih-VAHLV\ verb To devolve is to gradually go from an advanced state to a less advanced state, or to pass something, such as responsibility or power, from one person or group to another at a lower level of authority. // Somehow the debate devolved into a petty competition to see who could get more applause. // Community leaders hope that the new government will devolve more power to the community itself. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/devolve) Examples: “He accused board members of personally profi
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 25, 2026 is: tilde \TIL-duh\ noun Tilde refers to the mark ~ placed especially over the letter n (as in the Spanish señor, meaning "sir") to denote the sound \nʸ\, or over vowels (as in the Portuguese irmã, meaning "sister") to indicate [nasality](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/nasality). When a tilde appears as an independent character, it usually means "approximately" (as in "we'll be there in ~ 30 minutes"). // A familiar example of the tilde appears in the name of the Brazilian city [São Paulo](https://www.britannica.com/place/Sao-Pa
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 24, 2026 is: expeditious \ek-spuh-DISH-us\ adjective Expeditious is a formal word that is used to describe someone acting in a quick and efficient way, or something done in such a manner. // Both sides hoped for an expeditious resolution of the dispute. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/expeditious) Examples: “Inspectors were on campus Friday afternoon with a certified arborist to determine which trees are protected and the extent to which any damage or removals have occurred, according to the city. ‘The City is prepared t
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 23, 2026 is: prowess \PROW-us\ noun Prowess refers to someone’s great ability, skill, or talent for something specified, as in “the pop star's vocal prowess” or “a lawyer of great prowess.” // Already a proven virtuoso on guitar, she extends her considerable instrumental prowess to the piano throughout her new album as well. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/prowess) Examples: “On another Friday ... I led a nature writing workshop at the library’s Fowler branch. ... I had everyone draw a map of a place they loved and popul
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 22, 2026 is: august \aw-GUST\ adjective The word august, which is pronounced with the accent on "gust," describes someone or something marked by majestic dignity or grandeur. // We toured the old mansion's august halls and expansive grounds. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/august) Examples: "His tone is temperate, but the words echo through the State Capitol’s Assembly chamber, the august backdrop for his speech." — Maya Singer, Vogue, 1 Feb. 2026 Did you know? The [Roman republican calendar](https://www.britannica.com/s
Merriam-Webster's Word of the Day for August 21, 2026 is: rigmarole \RIG-uh-muh-rol\ noun Rigmarole refers to a long, complicated, and annoying process, description, etc. // We went through the rigmarole of installing, registering, and activating the software before we found out it wouldn’t work. [See the entry >](https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/rigmarole) Examples: “Over the last 10 years or so, I’ve had an on-again, off-again relationship with running. On the one hand, I love it for the mental benefits. My mind always feels clearer after a run and it can be an escape from the rigm
